Lila Cockrell stepping down from parks post

Updated 10:41 pm, Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell during her 90th birthday reception on Jan. 19.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell during her 90th birthday reception on Jan. 19.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News, Edward A. Ornelas

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Opinion prototype: Former Mayor Howard Peak has continued on path of public service since serving two terms in the city's highest elected office.

Opinion prototype: Former Mayor Howard Peak has continued on path of public service since serving two terms in the city's highest elected office.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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In 1948, the San Antonio Transit Company began operation of air-conditioned buses. Pictured is Chairman of the San Antonio Transit System Murrene Gilford (L) and then Mayor of San Antonio Lila Cockrell, June 27, 1975. less

In 1948, the San Antonio Transit Company began operation of air-conditioned buses. Pictured is Chairman of the San Antonio Transit System Murrene Gilford (L) and then Mayor of San Antonio Lila Cockrell, June ... more

Photo: Express-News

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Former U.S. President Gerald Ford being greeted as he exits the plan by former Mayor of San Antonio, Lila Cockrell, April 9, 1976.

Former U.S. President Gerald Ford being greeted as he exits the plan by former Mayor of San Antonio, Lila Cockrell, April 9, 1976.

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Former President Gerald Ford and former San Antonio mayor Lila Cockrell (L) enter the grounds of the Alamo, April 9, 1976.

Former President Gerald Ford and former San Antonio mayor Lila Cockrell (L) enter the grounds of the Alamo, April 9, 1976.

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Former President Gerald Ford and former San Antonio mayor Lila Cockrell wave and applaud on the grounds of the Alamo during his visit here in 1976.

Former President Gerald Ford and former San Antonio mayor Lila Cockrell wave and applaud on the grounds of the Alamo during his visit here in 1976.

Lila Cockrell, Chris Gourley and Andrea Gourley were at the Library Foundation gala on 9/26/2008 at the Central Library.

Lila Cockrell, Chris Gourley and Andrea Gourley were at the Library Foundation gala on 9/26/2008 at the Central Library.

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Lila Cockrell has focused on local African American artists in her personal art collection. Among the pieces in her collection are these paintings by F.L. "Doc" Spellmon.

Lila Cockrell has focused on local African American artists in her personal art collection. Among the pieces in her collection are these paintings by F.L. "Doc" Spellmon.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell has over the years built an impressive collection of art by local and regional African American artists. John Coleman's paintings Trombonist and Jazz Man are in the background.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell has over the years built an impressive collection of art by local and regional African American artists. John Coleman's paintings Trombonist and Jazz Man are in the background.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

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The San Antonio Parks Foundation President and former Mayor Lila Cockrell greets Mabel Jingu Enokoji before the announcement of plans to restore the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden, Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. Enokoji is the daughter of the garden creator, Kimi Eizo Jingu. Enokoji and her family lived in the house between 1926 and 1942. less

The San Antonio Parks Foundation President and former Mayor Lila Cockrell greets Mabel Jingu Enokoji before the announcement of plans to restore the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden, Monday, Oct. 12, ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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Mac Rattan, Phyllis Siegel, Lila Cockrell and Brigadier General Julius Braun, U.S. Army Ret., get together at the World Affairs Council International Citizen of the Year event honoring Graham Weston and featuring speaker Arianna Huffington at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. less

Mac Rattan, Phyllis Siegel, Lila Cockrell and Brigadier General Julius Braun, U.S. Army Ret., get together at the World Affairs Council International Citizen of the Year event honoring Graham Weston and ... more

Photo: Jamie Couch Karutz, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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J.K. Spruce, left, and former mayor Lila Cockrell salute the flag during the CPS Energy dedication of the JK Spruce 2 unit at the Calaveras Lake plant, Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. The plant is named after Spruce.

J.K. Spruce, left, and former mayor Lila Cockrell salute the flag during the CPS Energy dedication of the JK Spruce 2 unit at the Calaveras Lake plant, Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. The plant is named after Spruce.

Photo: JERRY LARA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Joci Straus (left to right), Hope Andrade, Dr. Coleen Grissom, Sheryl Sculley and Lila Cockrell celebrate Writing Women Back Into History at the 2010 Beyond the Glass Ceiling event March 4 at the San Antonio Country Club. less

Joci Straus (left to right), Hope Andrade, Dr. Coleen Grissom, Sheryl Sculley and Lila Cockrell celebrate Writing Women Back Into History at the 2010 Beyond the Glass Ceiling event March 4 at the San Antonio ... more

Former mayor Lila Cockrell speaks about her time as mayor during A Conversation with the Mayors on Wednesday Oct. 27, 2010 at the Pearl Stables.

Former mayor Lila Cockrell speaks about her time as mayor during A Conversation with the Mayors on Wednesday Oct. 27, 2010 at the Pearl Stables.

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell tells a story of opening night of the theatre that now bears her name, to Jim Mery, Assistant Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Facilities, as he gave her a tour of to see the renovations that have been completed, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. less

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell tells a story of opening night of the theatre that now bears her name, to Jim Mery, Assistant Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Facilities, as he gave her a tour of to ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, Express-News

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Bill Sinkin straightened his bow tie while talking with former mayor Lila Cockrell as he is honored at the Tower of the Americas with a portrait by Robert Wilkins on March 15, 2011.

Bill Sinkin straightened his bow tie while talking with former mayor Lila Cockrell as he is honored at the Tower of the Americas with a portrait by Robert Wilkins on March 15, 2011.

Photo: TOM REEL, Tom Reel

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Bill Sinkin looks at Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson after making a wise crack from the audience as he is honored at the Tower of the Americas with a portrait by Robert Wilkins on March 15, 2011. Former mayor Lila Cockrell laughs in the background. less

Bill Sinkin looks at Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson after making a wise crack from the audience as he is honored at the Tower of the Americas with a portrait by Robert Wilkins on March 15, 2011. ... more

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Former mayor Lila Cockrell (from left), Chamber of Commerce chair Carri Baker Wells and Our Lady of the Lake President Tessa Martinez Pollack were appointed by Mayor Julian Castro to the 2012 bond committee. Castro announced the first series of projects to come from SA2020 at the UTSA downtown campus on Saturday, Mar. 19, 2011. less

Former mayor Lila Cockrell (from left), Chamber of Commerce chair Carri Baker Wells and Our Lady of the Lake President Tessa Martinez Pollack were appointed by Mayor Julian Castro to the 2012 bond committee. ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

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United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, right, gives Lila Cockrell, President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, a hug after giving his speech at the grand opening celebration of phase 1 and 2 of Mission Reach on June 25, 2011, on the Theo Avenue Bridge. With the opening of the second mile, walkers and bikers can now connect to Mission Concepcion, part of a plan to connect all four missions to the river. less

United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, right, gives Lila Cockrell, President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, a hug after giving his speech at the grand opening celebration of phase 1 and 2 of ... more

Photo: ANDREW BUCKLEY, Andrew Buckley/Express-News

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Standing from the left, Dr. Adena Loston, Lila Cockrell and Edith McAllister at the Sushi & Sake Jingu House Grand Opening, Friday, October 14, 2011 at The Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

Standing from the left, Dr. Adena Loston, Lila Cockrell and Edith McAllister at the Sushi & Sake Jingu House Grand Opening, Friday, October 14, 2011 at The Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

Photo: J. MICHAEL SHORT, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Standing from the left, event co-chair Mary Jane Verette, Friends of the Park President Marcie Ince, former San Antonio Mayor Lila Cockrell, San Antonio Parks Foundation Chairman Jack Meyer and event co-chair Claire Golden at the Sushi & Sake Jingu House Grand Opening, Friday, October 14, 2011 at The Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio. less

Event MC Michael Quintanilla escorts Lila Cockrell, left, and Edith McAllister, right, for their runway introduction kicking-off Project 3-C Runway benefiting the Women's Pavilion at HemisFair featured handbags, accessories and fashions sewn from recycled banners by the women of Fuerza Undida, Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at The Pearl Brewery Breezeway and AIA at The Pearl in San Antonio. less

Mayor emeritus and president of San Antonio Parks Foundation Lila Cockrell addresses an audience at the grand re-opening ceremony of the Japanese Tea Garden after a $1.2 million renovation by the city on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. Guests of honor included members of the Jingu family who once lived in the Jingu House. The house has been fully renovated and will be open for public use as well as offer food and drink services for visitors to the garden located near downtown. less

Mayor emeritus and president of San Antonio Parks Foundation Lila Cockrell addresses an audience at the grand re-opening ceremony of the Japanese Tea Garden after a $1.2 million renovation by the city on ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell listens to speakers during her 90th birthday reception held Thursday Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell listens to speakers during her 90th birthday reception held Thursday Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell smiles during speeches given in her honor as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor Cockrell also celebrating her 89th birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Several hundred guests attended the event at the theater which underwent a $26 million renovation. less

Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell smiles during speeches given in her honor as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor Cockrell also celebrating her 89th ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell (center) offers a hug to former mayor Henry Cisneros (second to left) as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor Cockrell also celebrating her 89th birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Several hundred guests were in attendance including city mayor Julian Castro and city manager Sheryl Sculley (right) at the theater which underwent a $26 million renovation. "It is fitting that the grand lady (theater) is named after the greatest lady in San Antonio," Cisneros said during his speech. less

Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell (center) offers a hug to former mayor Henry Cisneros (second to left) as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell addresses an audience beside a newly-made portrait as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor Cockrell also celebrating her 89th birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Several hundred guests attended the event at the theater which underwent a $26 million renovation. less

Mayor emeritus Lila Cockrell addresses an audience beside a newly-made portrait as the City of San Antonio celebrates the rededication of the Lila Cockrell Theatre with guest of honor Cockrell also celebrating ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell listens to speakers during her 90th birthday reception held on Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell listens to speakers during her 90th birthday reception held on Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell speaks during her 90th birthday reception held on Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell speaks during her 90th birthday reception held on Jan. 19, 2012 at the Tobin Estate.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

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The city's movers and shakers are all on hand as Lila Cockrell, from the left, encites laughter with her remarks from event host Bruce Bugg, Jr., mayor Julian Castro, county judge Nelson Wolff, event chairwoman Evangelina Flores, former mayor Phil Hardberger and Rosemary Kowalski at Mayor Emeritus Lila Cockrell's 90th Birthday Celebration, Thursday, January 19, 2012 at The Tobin Estate in San Antonio. less

The city's movers and shakers are all on hand as Lila Cockrell, from the left, encites laughter with her remarks from event host Bruce Bugg, Jr., mayor Julian Castro, county judge Nelson Wolff, event chairwoman ... more

Lila Cockrell recognizes many of the artists in attendance as in celebration of Black History Month, Port San Antonio partnering with the Women's Pavilion at HemisFair Park hosts the opening reception for Mayor Lila Cockrell's African American Art Collection, Thursday, February 2, 2012. less

Lila Cockrell recognizes many of the artists in attendance as in celebration of Black History Month, Port San Antonio partnering with the Women's Pavilion at HemisFair Park hosts the opening reception for Mayor ... more

Photo: J. Michael Short , For The Express-News

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From the left, artists Glen "Frank" Franklin, Claudette Hopkins, Mayor Lila Cockrell, Ronnie Stevens, Paul Hurd, Gracie Poe, Anthony Edwards take to the stage as Cockrell introduces the artists to the assembled crowd. In celebration of Black History Month, Port San Antonio partnering with the Women's Pavilion at HemisFair Park hosts the opening reception for Mayor Lila Cockrell's African American Art Collection, Thursday, February 2, 2012. less

Harriet Kelly, Lila Cockrell and Dr. Harmon Kelley. During her remarks addressing the reception, Cockrell aknowledged the Kelly's as getting her started collecting African American Artists after attending a dinner at their residence. In celebration of Black History Month, Port San Antonio partnering with the Women's Pavilion at HemisFair Park hosts the opening reception for Mayor Lila Cockrell's African American Art Collection, Thursday, February 2, 2012. less

Harriet Kelly, Lila Cockrell and Dr. Harmon Kelley. During her remarks addressing the reception, Cockrell aknowledged the Kelly's as getting her started collecting African American Artists after attending a ... more

Photo: J. Michael Short , For The Express-News

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“The Dream Lives On,” by Glen Franklin, is owned by former Mayor Lila Cockrell. She has over the years built an impressive collection of art by local and regional artists.

“The Dream Lives On,” by Glen Franklin, is owned by former Mayor Lila Cockrell. She has over the years built an impressive collection of art by local and regional artists.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Henry Cisneros signs a copy of his book, "Independent For Life," for guest Lila Cockrell during a signing event at the Twig Book Shop.

Henry Cisneros signs a copy of his book, "Independent For Life," for guest Lila Cockrell during a signing event at the Twig Book Shop.

Photo: Leland A. Outz, For The Express-News

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell addresses the city council about the Pre-K 4 SA initiative on Thursday Aug. 9, 2012. More than 100 people were signed up to speak in front of the council about the initiative.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell addresses the city council about the Pre-K 4 SA initiative on Thursday Aug. 9, 2012. More than 100 people were signed up to speak in front of the council about the initiative.

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, San Antonio Express-News

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Former Mayor Lila Cockrell speaks during Jazz 91.7 KRTU-FM Year of Jazz Grand Finale the San Antonio Jazz Suite composed by former Jazz 91.7 music director Aaron Prado on Sunday Oct. 7, 2012 at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium. less

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell speaks during Jazz 91.7 KRTU-FM Year of Jazz Grand Finale the San Antonio Jazz Suite composed by former Jazz 91.7 music director Aaron Prado on Sunday Oct. 7, 2012 at Trinity ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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City Manager Sheryl Sculley, center, looks at results for the Pre-K 4 SA campaign coming in on a phone with Lila Cockrell, right, and Cockrell's granddaughter, Annalee Gulley, left, who also worked on the campaign, during the election watch party at La Fonda on Main in San Antonio on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. less

City Manager Sheryl Sculley, center, looks at results for the Pre-K 4 SA campaign coming in on a phone with Lila Cockrell, right, and Cockrell's granddaughter, Annalee Gulley, left, who also worked on the ... more

He replaces former Mayor Lila Cockrell who is stepping down after 14 years as president of the foundation.

Peak, who has been a park advocate since before he was elected to City Council in 1993, is famous for his work creating linear parks across San Antonio and his vision of linking them together to form an “emerald necklace” of parks that connect all sections of the city.

The trail system currently is 41 miles long and is expanding. It was recently named in Peak's honor.

“Its role for the most part is raising money to augment the city's needs,” he said of the foundation. “So, (the parks department) is not stuck with a budget that is less than it ought to be.”

Peak, 65, resigned from his position at AT&T to take the full-time job as president of the foundation.

In her role, which was the first paid staff position for the foundation, Cockrell raised more than $5 million for projects including the restoration of the Japanese Tea Garden and the purchase of more than 350 acres for new parkland. She also oversaw the organization of some of San Antonio's largest public parties such as the New Year Eve's Celebrate San Antonio event downtown.